Early explorers drove flags into the ground to claim territories. But no one bothered to float a flag in the oceans. For the most part, we peaceably shared the oceans until we realized what valuable goods could be found in their dark and murky depths.

Early explorers drove flags into the ground to claim territories. But no one bothered to float a flag in the oceans. For the most part, we peaceably shared the oceans until we realized what valuable goods could be found in their dark and murky depths. See more »

Atlantic Ocean, the world's second largest body of water. Its area, including all connecting seas and gulfs, is about 33,420,000 square miles (86,557,000 km2), almost 24 per cent of the world's oceanic area. See more »